Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but some people add a surprising ingredient: sugar. While it may seem unconventional, a small amount of sugar can be added to macaroni and cheese to mellow out the sharpness of the cheese, especially when using extra sharp cheddar. Some people also add brown sugar to their macaroni and cheese, creating a sweet and curious concoction without being overpowering. The addition of sugar to macaroni and cheese is often a regional or family tradition, and it is not added to make the dish taste sweet but rather to heighten the overall flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To mellow out the sharpness of the cheese |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Quantity | A couple of tablespoons |
| Type of sugar | Brown sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Sugar balances out sharp cheddar
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised to satisfy most palates. While the idea of adding sugar to macaroni and cheese may seem unconventional, it is a practice that has been passed down through generations.
Sugar, particularly brown sugar, can be added to macaroni and cheese to balance out the sharpness of cheddar cheese. The sharp flavour of cheddar can be mellowed out by adding a small amount of sugar, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish without making it taste sweet. This technique is especially useful when using extra sharp cheddar, which can be overpowering without a balancing ingredient.
Some recipes that include sugar in macaroni and cheese also call for other unexpected ingredients, such as eggs, mozzarella, and even candied bacon. While the addition of sugar may be unusual, it is used to enhance the flavour of the cheese rather than make the dish taste sweet.
The amount of sugar added is important, as too much can make the dish taste like a dessert. A couple of tablespoons of sugar is usually enough to balance the sharpness of the cheese without making the dish taste sweet.
So, if you're looking to add a unique twist to your macaroni and cheese, consider adding a small amount of sugar to balance out the sharpness of cheddar.
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Brown sugar is a versatile ingredient
The amount of sugar added is crucial; a small amount is used to mellow out the sharpness of the cheese without making the dish noticeably sweet. This technique is especially useful when using extra sharp cheddar, as it balances the flavours and creates a more harmonious taste profile. The sugar adds depth and complexity to the dish, showcasing the versatility of brown sugar as an ingredient that can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes.
Brown sugar also plays a role in the texture of macaroni and cheese. When combined with other ingredients, it can contribute to a creamy and smooth cheese sauce. This versatility in function, in addition to its flavour contributions, showcases the adaptability of brown sugar in culinary applications.
In one particular recipe, brown sugar-coated candied bacon is incorporated into the macaroni and cheese, creating a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. This combination may seem unusual, but it has gained popularity and sparked curiosity among those adventurous enough to try it. The use of brown sugar in this context demonstrates its ability to complement and enhance the flavours of other ingredients, such as bacon, creating a well-rounded and intriguing dish.
Brown sugar, when added to macaroni and cheese, can transform a classic comfort food into something extraordinary. Its subtle sweetness and ability to balance flavours make it a secret weapon in the kitchen, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different culinary creations. Whether used to mellow sharp flavours or create unique flavour combinations, brown sugar is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the taste and texture of macaroni and cheese.
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Sugar balances other savoury ingredients
Sugar is often added to macaroni and cheese to balance the sharpness of the cheese. A small amount of sugar is used to "mellow out" the sharpness of extra sharp cheddar, for example, without making the dish taste sweet. This is a technique used by some home cooks, as well as chefs who also use condensed milk to achieve a similar effect.
The addition of sugar to macaroni and cheese is not a new concept, with some people adding brown sugar to their recipes, which creates a sweet concoction without being overpowering. Sean Ely, host of the YouTube series "Sean's First Time Eating," cooked Kraft Mac & Cheese with two tablespoons of brown sugar and described the flavour as similar to barbecue sauce.
Some recipes for macaroni and cheese also include brown sugar-coated candied bacon, which adds a sweet and savoury element to the dish.
While the addition of sugar to macaroni and cheese may seem unconventional to some, it is a technique that has been used in recipes passed down through generations, particularly in the Southern United States. It is a way to add a unique twist to a classic comfort food and elevate its flavour profile.
The key to using sugar in macaroni and cheese is to add a small amount, just enough to balance the sharpness of the cheese without making the dish noticeably sweet. This subtle addition can enhance the overall flavour of the dish and create a more complex and interesting taste profile.
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Sugar is used in small quantities
Sugar is often used in small quantities in macaroni and cheese to balance out the sharpness of the cheese, particularly when using extra sharp cheddar. It is added in small amounts, not enough to make the dish taste sweet, but enough to heighten the flavour.
Some people add brown sugar to their macaroni and cheese, which creates a curiously sweet flavour without being overpowering. For example, a recipe from Imperial Sugar, America's oldest sugar brand, includes brown sugar and mustard powder. Another recipe from a blog called Grilled Cheese Social adds brown sugar-coated candied bacon to the macaroni and cheese.
Adding sugar to macaroni and cheese may be a Southern tradition, as some sources mention that their families are from the South and add sugar to the dish. However, others from the South disagree, stating that it is not a Southern tradition and that they do not trust people who add sugar to their macaroni and cheese.
Overall, while it may be unconventional to add sugar to macaroni and cheese, it can enhance the flavour of the dish when used in small quantities, particularly when using sharp cheeses.
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Sugar is added to macaroni in Mississippi
While macaroni and cheese is generally considered a savory dish, some people in the Southern United States, including Mississippi, add a small amount of sugar to the recipe. This addition of sugar is not necessarily unique to Mississippi, as people in other parts of the South also report adding sugar to their macaroni and cheese. However, it is worth noting that not everyone in the South adds sugar to their macaroni and cheese, and some people from the region express surprise or disapproval at the idea.
The amount of sugar added to macaroni and cheese in Mississippi, or elsewhere in the South, appears to be relatively small, with people mentioning the use of just a couple of tablespoons or "a little sugar." The sugar is typically added to balance the sharpness of the cheese or to enhance the overall flavor of the dish without making it noticeably sweet. This practice of adding a small amount of sugar to macaroni and cheese may be more common in certain families or regions within Mississippi or the South, as some people from the region are unfamiliar with the concept and express confusion or disbelief when they encounter it.
While sugar is sometimes added to macaroni and cheese in Mississippi and other parts of the South, it is not a universal practice, and there are likely many people in Mississippi who do not add sugar to their macaroni and cheese. The addition of sugar may be a traditional or regional variation that has been passed down within certain families or communities. It is also worth noting that macaroni and cheese recipes can vary widely, with some people adding various types of cheese, eggs, milk, salt, or other ingredients, so the inclusion of sugar is just one of many possible variations.
The practice of adding sugar to macaroni and cheese in Mississippi appears to be an example of regional or cultural variation in cooking practices. While it may be unexpected or unusual to people from other regions or culinary traditions, the addition of sugar is likely a long-standing tradition for some families or communities in Mississippi and the South. As with any culinary tradition, the practice of adding sugar to macaroni and cheese may be influenced by personal preferences, family customs, or regional influences, resulting in a diverse range of recipes and variations within Mississippi and the broader Southern culinary landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Sugar is added to macaroni and cheese to mellow out the sharpness of the cheese, especially if extra sharp cheddar is used.
Only a little sugar is added to macaroni and cheese, just enough to heighten the flavor without making the dish taste sweet.
While not conventional, adding sugar to macaroni and cheese has been done in recipes passed down through generations, especially in the Southern United States.
Brown sugar is the type of sugar that is typically added to macaroni and cheese.
Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk or brown sugar-coated candied bacon to be added to macaroni and cheese.
